Convertible Top Cleaner

[TomatoSoup]

Originally Posted by The_Ghost Yep, bought the fabric gaurd kit in the green box. For canvas tops.... Just really disappointing and to see it run down the windows after it rained the way it did... I'm not very happy with it! I will post pics of my windows tonight!

Hmm, then maybe you over-applied. Supposed to do several light coats (like paint )

[SkyPilot]

Rut ro... I have the 303 and there's nothing petrolium-based about the fabric guard. Wonder how tough it's going to be to get the aerospace protectant off the canvas

[06CoolSolstice]

Originally Posted by The_Ghost I decided to buy and try 303. Not a fan! The cleaner was fine, it was the conditioner that I have an issue with. I thought I read somewhere not to use a petroleum based product on the cloth top? I can tell you, its a petroleum based product! I followed the instructions, word for word with the conditioner. I did this Sunday morning. It had more then 48 hours to "cure". It rained last night and had NO water repelancy at all!! Furthermore, yesterday when I got in my car, I could smell the petroleum smell inside my vehicle. After the rain last night, I now have oily streaks running down my side windows. If its done that to the windows, I can only image its also done it to the paint. I'm not very pleased with 303!!! Just my $0.02. I will now get off my soapbox.

Just bought this as well and did not have the same experience. Water beads up great, and no petroleum smell, I wonder if yours was miss bottled?

[The_Ghost]

Notice the lines running down the window from the rain! I'm beginning to wonder if it was miss bottled! It's very "oily" smelling. It left a NASTY film on the paint where I did get some on it. I also double checked and it is for the fabric convertible tops. Not for use with the vinyl convertible tops.

[The_Ghost]

Here's the pics:



Notice by the WARNING: what is says!!!

[Carbon Sky]

I've never used 303's cleaner. I only clean the top with the same car wash I do the rest of the car in. But I do use 303's protectant twice a year. I get a small amount of residue on my side windows, but nothing like you seem to be getting. And the residue dries to an almost powdery finish. I can literally wipe it off with my finger, so it's not oily like yours seems to be. I also apply mine with a paint brush. I find it easier to keep off the body and rest of car than spraying.

I also wash my windows, inside and out with Stoner's Invisible Glass, and then Rain-X all exterior glass, and even the sideview mirrors. Maybe the rain-x helps to keep the residue away? Maybe you're putting too much on?

[Jack19]

I Applied the Surf City Convertible Top Cleaner to my Solstice today. Called and talked to Matt at Surf City before using the product. He suggested that the best way to use the cleaner is to first wet the top. Next spray the product onto a small towel and rub it onto the top. Then rinse it off with a hose.

It was easy to do and I am very happy with the results.

The first photo is a before shot, the next two are after.

[sirwm]

I use Raggtopp.

Never had a problem with it. I like the results.

[rob the elder]

Originally Posted by sirwm I use Raggtopp. Never had a problem with it. I like the results.

Yep

[omw41]

Originally Posted by Jack19 I Applied the Surf City Convertible Top Cleaner to my Solstice today. Called and talked to Matt at Surf City before using the product. He suggested that the best way to use the cleaner is to first wet the top. Next spray the product onto a small towel and rub it onto the top. Then rinse it off with a hose. It was easy to do and I am very happy with the results. The first photo is a before shot, the next two are after.

Thanks. I'll have to try that. I was spraying it onto a dry top, and using a soft brush. My method causes far too much over-spray and waste.

[Carbon Sky]

I use a paint brush to apply it instead of a spray bottle. I find it helps to keep it off the paint this way. I pretty much soak the top each time. And I've never had a problem with streaking/runs.

When was the last time the top got wet before you applied the 303? Before I use 303, I usually wash the car at least 24 hours ahead of time. Even if I leave it in the sun on a warm day.

How long after you applied the 303 did the top get wet? It has happened that it has rained the next day after applying it, and water beaded great with no runs.

This was taken with a crappy camera phone about 2 weeks after applying 303.

[omw41]

Originally Posted by Jack19 I Applied the Surf City Convertible Top Cleaner to my Solstice today. Called and talked to Matt at Surf City before using the product. He suggested that the best way to use the cleaner is to first wet the top. Next spray the product onto a small towel and rub it onto the top. Then rinse it off with a hose. It was easy to do and I am very happy with the results. The first photo is a before shot, the next two are after.

I used this method this weekend, and it worked really well. I might suggest cutting up one small rag so that you can get into the pointed and other tight areas around the rear window. The suggested paint brush method would do it as well.

[chickenwire]

I ordered and received the Raggtop "kit" this week and used it over the past couple of nights. It came with a natural bristle brush which worked well, but I suggest "scrubbing" something else with it before using on the top. (It left a few bristles behind that I had to follow up and pick off with my fingers.) Typical of most any brush, I just wish I'd have thought of it before I used it.

The results are very impressive - used the cleaner and 24 hours later put on 3 light coats of the protectant. (Should have done the before and after like Jack did above.) I had previously used an upholstery cleaner from a local auto supply store and though it did a good job, but the Raggtop was a HUGE improvement over that stuff.

Only issue I have is that the protectant is an aerosol. Have any users of the Raggtop used a brush or rag to apply it? The overspray was a nuisance.

I also considered making a mask for the rear glass that could be applied when treating the rear fabric. I think I could do that fairly easily - might even be able to supply to forum members if there's an interest?

[rob the elder]

I point the spraw toward the fabric at an acute angle so very little overspray. I use detail spray and it cleans up easily

[chickenwire]

Agreed Rob. It wasn't difficult to clean up at all, just a "nuisance".